Newcastle United currently have several injury and fitness concerns as they prepare to return to competitive action.
Thursday night’s 5-0 friendly win against Al Hilal saw 11 first team players ruled out. Five of those were due to being at the World Cup in Qatar while the other six were down to injury or illness.
And during the match a further two players had to be withdrawn due to injury concerns. Chris Wood was taken off in the first half with a back issue before Joelinton made way in the second half after feeling his hamstring.
Next up for Newcastle is a friendly match against Rayo Vallecano at St James’s Park on Saturday, December 17 (12:3pm kick-off). Eddie Howe’s side then return to competitive action in the Carabao Cup last-16 at home to AFC Bournemouth on Wednesday, December 21.
Here is how Newcastle’s squad is shaping up in terms of absentees and their estimated return dates as it stands...
5. Matty Longstaff - ACL
The young midfielder picked up a serious knee injury while on loan at Colchester United and has since returned to the club. He had undergone surgery and will be out for the remainder of the season with his contract set to expire in the summer. What Howe said: “Very difficult for any young players to pick up any serious injury. It is bad timing for him. We certainly wish him well, and hope he recovers full. “We’ll support him back to fully fitness. There’ll be no concerns there. It’s our duty.” Estimated return date: Late summer 2023 Photo: Getty